University students showcase creativity in London show

TAIPEI--Students from National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) and Chinese Culture University presented innovative artworks yesterday at the preliminary opening of a London architecture design event being held at University of Westminster in the capital of the United Kingdom.

Speaking in London Thursday, Taiwan's representative to the UK Shen Lyu-shun said that the artworks on display at the International Architecture and Design Showcase (IADS) utilize high-tech multimedia technology, highlight the creativity of Taiwan's youth and show the world Taiwan's soft power.

One of the artworks created by teachers and students from NCKU in southern Taiwan is an 8-meter-tall installation piece made out of cotton, wire, tires and tribulus terrestris, a type of weed that grows easily in any environment.

Hwang Buh-Ching, an associate professor at NCKU's Department of Architecture, said the team spent over six months to make the piece to highlight Taiwan's grassroots characteristics, mobility and cultural strength.

He added such materials are regularly seen in Taiwan during daily life, but are often neglected.

As for the Chinese Culture University, students showed their concerns about climate change by creating an eco-friendly architectural design.

The design, which uses digital technology, highlights the “paperless' concepts of environmental protection and urban renewal, said Monica Kuo, dean of the university's College of Environmental Design.

Architecture designs from 40 countries on four continents are on display at the show, which is organized by the British Council in partnership with the London Festival of Architecture, held from June 23-July 8, and the upcoming London Design Festival, which will take place Sept. 14-23.

The IADS show will officially open June 29 and will run until July 15. Its award ceremony will be held July 5.

An art installation by National Cheng Kung University (成功大學) is shown at the International Architecture and Design Showcase (IADS, 國際建築暨設計展示會) in London, yesterday. Cheng Kung University has entered an 8-meter-tall, 17-meter-wide piece, built with bicycle tires, cotton twine, and wire. The IADS runs June 21 to Sept. 23.